We’ve put together some tips to create better karma at work and strengthen relationships with coworkers.

1. Talk less, listen more Many conflicts escalate from what start out as harmless word exchanges. Then one or the other person says too much, too little, or the wrong thing and trouble begins to brew.

During discussions with coworkers, gauge your contribution proportionately to one-third mouth and two-thirds ears; after all, that’s how the body is designed, right?

Learn to filter meaningless drivel that some people offer while working, mainly just to pass the time or to be friendly.

A pleasant smile or nod of the head can show you are listening while allowing you to keep focused on your job.

2. Schedule talk-time away from your desk If a coworker wants to chat more often than you are comfortable with and to the point where it interferes with your job performance, politely remind your associate that the task at hand is occupying your attention, but you will have time to catch up during the coffee break or over lunch.

Simple comments like this will help to keep things in perspective.

After all, employees are paid to work, not for friendly conversations and taking time from your job to spend on idle chatter is similar to stealing company time or limiting productivity.

3. Work in distinctive but complementary fashion If you are part of a pair or team composed of employees with different styles of doing things, you may want to arrange tasks so that everyone can do their part separately while getting feedback from the other members at some point.

This might mean working offsite or at home for some and can help to reduce tensions and differing ways of managing the same task, without anyone appearing to be right or wrong, good or better. Everyone will feel like part of the team effort without stepping on the toes of others.

4. Avoid controversial topics Everyone knows that no matter who you are or where you work, certain topics should remain off limits.

These topics typically include politics, religion and personal values, among others. If conversations begin to veer in the direction of conflicting viewpoints, carefully introduce a different topic or make a neutral or even humorous statement to deflect tensions.

Keeping things light can go a long way toward getting along with others on a routine basis.

5. Respect diversityMany companies employ one or more associates who may seem different from the majority of other employees due to race, ethnicity, gender, age, or other characteristics.

While these traits may draw attention because they stand out, they are not cause for making crude comments or biased jokes at the expense of the individual or the group he represents.

Do your part to respect all differences within your work area and try to encourage others to do the same.

6. Submit to authoritySure, there are plenty of bosses out there who abuse their authority and make life hard for some employees. Rather than refuse to comply with demanding expectations or make waves with the brass, it is usually smarter (except for grievous circumstance) to ignore the negative attitude and do your job to the best of your ability.

Some managers walk around with a chip on their shoulder, just looking for people to pick on. Don’t become one of them.

Smile and shrug if someone gives you a hard time and continue your work as if nothing bad happened. The authority figure who is trying to cause problems will then look like the fool or the bad guy and you will avoid trouble.

7. Sidestep office politics You know the type: in most offices there is usually someone who stirs things up by complaining, gossiping, or whining. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but that is not the best way to attract supervisory attention.

Stay away from such employees and don’t become one.

If you have a problem, take it to someone who can help.

Don’t share personal or job-related problems with coworkers who can do nothing about them. They will only spread rumors and feed the gossip mill that may damage your reputation and your job at some point.

8. Guard your reputation Don’t get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, figuratively speaking. When getting along with coworkers is a priority, you will have to watch your back and protect yourself from others’ negative impressions. Do your job the best way possible.

Don’t take questionable shortcuts. Avoid involvement in potentially explosive situations, such as romantic entanglements at your worksite or illicit activities using company property or equipment.

9. Seek clarification When a problem erupts, stay calm and seek clarity on the issues instead of arguing with a coworker or supervisor.

For example, if you are told you will be laid off due to the company’s downsizing, don’t explode in your cubicle where others can hear. Go to management directly for the facts. Find out if the layoff is certain and if you can be considered for eventual rehiring or part-time employment.

Never assume!

Go to the most appropriate source for information when you hear controversial rumors or statements.

10. Go above and beyond If getting along with coworkers really is essential to your job performance, find ways to do a little extra to ease strain and discouragement within the department or among the staff.

Offer to help someone who seems overwhelmed, or bring in muffins on a big deadline day. People will remember you as the one who keeps a positive outlook in the face of stress and difficulty.

When employees feel supported and appreciated, they are less likely to engage in conflict and they will be easier to get along with.

Getting along with coworkers is an important part of doing your job. Many top companies report that the ability to become a team player (and by implication, get along with others) is one of the top three qualities sought in new hires.

Make sure you stay on the company’s A-list by learning how to appreciate others and step back from potential conflict. An occasional disagreement is fine when it invites different problem-solving perspectives. But a habitual arguer will soon wear out his welcome at any jobsite.

Practice smiling more, speaking less and listening most of the time to perform your job the way it should be done and to become a real asset to your employer, as well as an encouragement to your colleagues.

Getting along with coworkers is not difficult, but it does require effort and patience before you begin to see lasting results.

Is It Time for a New Job?

You love your coworkers but hate the huge workload. The commute is crazy but the pay is great. So what makes a job a keeper? If you've been contemplating switching jobs, you should be confident in your decision, not conflicted. But how do you know if it's best to send off that letter of resignation or stick it out? Take this quiz to find out if it's truly time for a new job.

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